Monday, October 02, 2023

When I survey the wondrous cross

148 Eucharist. L. M.

1 When I survey the wondrous cross
   on which the Prince of glory died,
   my richest gain I count but loss,
   and pour contempt on all my pride.

2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
   save in the death of Christ, my God!
   All the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them through his blood.

3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
   sorrow and love flow mingled down.
   Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
   or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   that were a present far too small.
   Love so amazing, so divine,
   demands my soul, my life, my all.
                        Isaac Watts
                        The Methodist Hymnal 1939 edition

<idle musing>
A classic Watts hymn; according to hymnary.org it occurs in 1960 hymnals! And it has been translated into numerous languages.
</idle musing>

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